Building a Brighter Future: Essential Support Services

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

If you're experiencing unemployment, there are several resources in Dane County that can provide support and assistance. The Dane County Job Center offers a variety of programs some of which are listed below:  

Dane County Job Center: Offers a variety of programs to help with job searches, resume building, interview skills, and training for new work skills and certifications. They also provide GED assistance and transportation support. Phone: 1-888-794-5556

Wisconsin Works (W-2): Provides employment preparation services, case management, and financial assistance to eligible families. They offer work experience positions and help with developing self-sufficiency plans. Phone: General Inquiries: 608-665-9760 Wisconsin Works Eligibility: 1-855-733-1311

 FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET): Offers education and training opportunities for those in need of financial or employment assistance. Phone to Sign Up: Capital Consortium at 1-888-794-5556 or Forward Service Corp at 1-608-216-7620 

Unemployment Assistance: Information and resources for those dealing with unemployment and financial hardship. Phone: 608-266-3131 

The South Central Wisconsin Job Centers: Part of the American Job Centers network, offer a wide range of services to support job seekers and employers in the region. These centers provide access to resource rooms equipped with phones, free internet, printers, and resume writing tools. They offer job training services, job search assistance, career exploration and advising, interview practice, skills testing, and labor market information. Additionally, they provide supportive services such as financial assistance, training services, food assistance, childcare, emergency funds, and transportation help. The centers aim to improve job opportunities through economic support, training, and education, helping individuals achieve their workforce goals and maintain long-term stability. Phone: 608-249-9001  Email: wdbscwi@wdbscw.org

HOUSING RESOURCES

The following resources can help individuals in Dane County navigate housing challenges and work towards long-term stability. 

Tenant Resource Center: Offers assistance with housing issues, including eviction prevention, rental assistance, and mediation services. They provide resources and support to help individuals maintain stable housing. Phone: 608-257-0006

Dane County Doubled-Up Housing Program: This pilot program serves households experiencing doubled-up homelessness, where individuals and families temporarily share housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship. The program provides support to households with at least one minor child. 

Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin: Offers housing assistance programs, including eviction prevention, rental assistance, and support services to help individuals and families maintain stable housing. Phone: 608-237-1255

The Homeless Services Consortium of Dane County is a partnership of agencies, funders, advocates, and formerly homeless individuals dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness. Their website has valuable information and a housing search navigator. They provide coordinated entry services to ensure fair and equal access to housing assistance for those experiencing a housing crisis. The Consortium focuses on connecting individuals and families with shelter, housing, and support services based on their needs. Phone: 608-826-8093  

Urban Triage Assists individuals and families in Dane County. They provide a range of services, including emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention, and housing navigation services. Their mission is to foster self-sufficiency, community leadership, advocacy, and student success through parent engagement and cultural heritage. Phone: 608-299-4128

Porchlight: Provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, and case management services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They offer various programs to help people achieve long-term housing stability. Phone: 608-252-8522

The Road Home Dane County: Dedicated to ending family homelessness in the community. They work with homeless families with children to provide stable housing and support services. Their mission is to help families achieve self-determined goals and maintain affordable, stable housing. The organization collaborates with various partners, including nonprofits, government agencies, and community members, to create long-term solutions to homelessness. They focus on building skills, resources, and relationships that set the stage for long-term success. Phone: (608) 294-7998

Joining Forces for Families (JFF): A collaborative effort that provides support to families in crisis, including housing assistance, financial aid, and connections to community resources. They work closely with families to address immediate needs and develop long-term stability plans. Contact: Karen Cicarelli (se habla español) at 608-437-6115 Email: Ciccarelli@countyofdane.com

FINANCIAL LITERACY RESOURCES

It’s never too late to learn!  Financial literacy classes can be incredibly beneficial for Individuals and families facing financial challenges, whether they are asset-limited, income-constrained, living in poverty, or experiencing temporary financial hardship. Here are some ways these classes can help. 

• Budgeting Skills: Financial literacy classes help families budget effectively, preventing overspending and meeting essential needs.

• Debt Management: These classes teach debt management strategies, reducing financial stress for families.

• Savings Strategies: Families learn to save and build an emergency fund, providing financial security during hardships.

• Access to Resources: Financial literacy programs connect families with local resources and support services to stabilize their financial situation.

• Financial Planning: Classes teach families to set financial goals and plan for future expenses, ensuring long-term financial stability.

• Improved Financial Confidence: Learning personal finance boosts confidence, leading to better financial decisions and proactive financial management.

By participating in financial literacy classes, families can gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate their financial challenges and work towards a more stable and secure future.

There is no time like the present to get started, with the resources available below: 

Extension Dane County: The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Division of Extension offers financial education programs to help families and individuals achieve financial well-being. They provide localized programming, including financial coaching, tax education, retirement planning, and online modules. 

Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin: They offer interactive workshops on financial literacy, providing participants with free financial binders, budget planners, and other resources. 

Green Path Financial Wellness: A national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people's lifelong financial wellness. With nearly 60 years of experience, Green Path offers a range of services, including free credit counseling, debt management programs, housing counseling, and financial education. Their mission is to empower individuals to lead financially healthy lives by providing trusted support and resources to manage debt, improve credit, and achieve financial goals.